Hydrogen peroxide disinfectant with increased activity

ABSTRACT

An acidic aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is provided with improved disinfectant activity. Concentrated solutions preferably contain up to about 8 wt./wt. % H2O2 and as-used concentrations contain about 0.5% wt./wt. % H2O2. The solution also contains from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of at least one phosphorous-based acid, e.g. phosphoric acid and/or a phosphonic acid with from 1 to 5 phosphonic acid groups, and from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of at least one anionic surfactant. The surfactant is selected from C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids, sulfonated C12 to C22 carboxylic acids, C8 to C22 alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids, naphthalene sulfonic acids, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids, and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, and alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the solution has an emulsifier, e.g. a polyoxyethylene surfactant. The solution also preferably contains a hydrotrope, e.g. an alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide salt. The solution may also contain corrosion inhibitors and/or lower alcohols.

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/356,345 filed Jul. 19, 1999 which claims the benefit of U.S.provisional patent application No. 60/112,047 filed Dec. 14, 1998.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to disinfectants and, inparticular, it relates to hydrogen peroxide solutions with improveddisinfectant and antimicrobial properties.

Background to the Invention

[0003] A wide range of disinfectants is known, as discussed for examplein Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, edited and partiallywritten by Professor Seymour S. Block, Fourth Edition, published 1991 byLea & Febiger, Pennsylvania. Certain peroxygen compounds, chlorinecompounds, phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds and surface activeagents are known for their germicidal properties. The rate ofdisinfection is relatively slow in many cases, and some compounds emitvolatile organic compounds or leave a persistent residue in theenvironment.

[0004] Hydrogen peroxide is finding favour in many applications becauseits breakdown products, water and oxygen, are innocuous, and it tends tohave broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Broad spectrum activity isimportant in situations where harmful organisms are present but theiridentity is not known.

[0005] As hydrogen peroxide tends to be unstable and decomposes overtime, steps must be taken to stabilize the hydrogen peroxide solutionsfor storage purposes. All commercially available aqueous hydrogenperoxide contains added stabilizers in small amounts, i.e. measured inparts per million, and have an excellent shelf life. For example, seeKirk-Othmer et al, “Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology”, vol. 13 (NewYork: Wiley-Interscience, 1991) at page 965 which discusses therequirement to add stabilizers to commercial hydrogen peroxidesolutions. Hence, all references herein to hydrogen peroxide arereferences to commercially available hydrogen peroxide containing smallamounts of stabilizers. Known hydrogen peroxide stabilizers includeorganic sequestering agents, i.e. stannates and phosphates, andcombinations of organic compounds and organometallic salts with orwithout stannates and phosphates. An exemplary stannate is sodiumstannate trihydrate and an exemplary phosphate is sodium pyrophosphate.

[0006] A major drawback of most disinfectants used heretofore has beenthe length of time needed to reduce the bacterial count after thedisinfectant has been applied to a bacterially contaminated material.For example, it may take 30 minutes or more after application of thedisinfectant to disinfect a treated surface. In many circumstances thisrate of disinfection is far from satisfactory.

[0007] Combinations of hydrogen peroxide with various surfactants areknown. For example, Winterton et al. discloses, in U.S. Pat. No.5,523,012, a buffered disinfecting solution for contact lenses, whichhas from about 0.1% to about 1.0% of an ocularly compatible surfactant.Winterton discloses that, in one experiment, addition of about 0.4%anionic sulfosuccinate surfactant improved the killing time foraspergillus fumigatus to 6.9 minutes, compared to 9.4 minutes for asolution containing 0.1% nonionic surfactants. However, even 6.9 minutesis far too long for many applications.

[0008] The present invention is directed to improving the efficacy ofhydrogen peroxide based solutions.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] Accordingly, the invention provides an aqueous solution having apH of from 1 to 7, and preferably 1 to 3, and comprising i) hydrogenperoxide in a concentration of from 0.01 to about 20 wt./wt. % of thesolution, ii) at least one phosphorus-based acid in a concentrationrange of from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of the solution, and iii) at leastone anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of C8 to C16alkyl aryl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof,sulfonated C12 to C22 carboxylic acids and alkali metal and ammoniumsalts thereof, C8 to C22 alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids and alkalimetal and ammonium salts thereof, naphthalene sulfonic acids and alkalimetal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids andalkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, alkali metal C8 to C18 alkylsulfates, and mixtures thereof, in a concentration range of from 0.02 to5 wt./wt. % of the solution.

[0010] Preferably, the phosphorus-based acid is selected from the groupconsisting of phosphoric acid, phosphonic acids having 1 to 5 phosphonicacid groups, and mixtures thereof. Of the phosphonic acids having 1 to 5phosphonic acid groups, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonic acid ismost preferred. However, also preferred are amino tri(methylenephosphonic acid), diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene phosphonic acid),2-hydroxyethylimino bis(methylene phosphonic acid), ethylene diaminetetra(methylene phosphonic acid).

[0011] Preferred anionic surfactants are anionic alkyl aryl sulfonicacids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, preferably dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof.

[0012] The solution may contain up to about 3 wt./wt. % of an additionalcomponent selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers,hydrotropes, and mixtures thereof. Preferred emulsifiers arepolyoxyethylene surfactants, preferably alkyl polyoxyethylenesurfactants and alkyl aryl polyoxyethylene surfactants. An example of analkyl aryl polyoxyethylene surfactant is C8 to C16 alkylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol.

[0013] Preferred hydrotropes are alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxides,alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide salts, and mixtures thereof. Evenmore preferred is a C6 alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide disodiumsalt.

[0014] The solution may contain hydrogen peroxide in a concentration offrom 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of the solution, 0.05 to 1.0 wt./wt. % of thesolution, and from 3.0 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of the solution.

[0015] The solution may also contain a corrosion inhibitor in aconcentration of from 0.05 to 10.0 wt./wt % of the solution, and from0.1 to 10 wt./wt. % of an alcohol comprising one to six carbon atoms.Furthermore, the solution may contain a monocarboxylic acid, apolycarboxylic acid, or mixtures thereof, in a concentration of fromabout 0.05 to about 4.0 wt./wt. % of the solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] In the past few years, efforts have been concentrated ondeveloping chemicals that will be highly effective againstmicroorganisms when highly diluted, will be low in toxicity to humansand other animals, and will not injure the environment. Of all the knowndisinfectants and antimicrobials, hydrogen peroxide appears to haveexceptional potential, especially in terms of toxicity and injury to theenvironment because the decomposition products are benign. For example,at concentrations of 1-3 wt./wt. % aqueous solution, hydrogen peroxideis considered non-corrosive and non-irritating; at concentrations of 3-7wt./wt. % aqueous solution, hydrogen peroxide is considerednon-corrosive but an eye irritant; and at concentrations of above about8 wt./wt. % aqueous solution, hydrogen peroxide is considered corrosive,more so at higher concentrations, and also a strong oxidizing agent.

[0017] The higher concentration levels of hydrogen peroxide solutionsrequired to provide fast, effective action are not practical oreconomically viable, and may be subject to hazardous goods regulationsand require special precautions for handling and use. Heretofore, one ofthe major drawbacks of hydrogen peroxide, in low concentrations, is thatits antimicrobial action is too slow. A second major drawback is that ithas not been considered possible to stabilize the peroxide sufficientlyto make the solution commercially acceptable. For example, priorreferences indicate that a 0.1 wt./wt. % aqueous solution of hydrogenperoxide requires 60 minutes to disinfect surfaces contaminated withstaphylococcus aureus, whereas a 25.8 wt./wt. % aqueous solution ofhydrogen peroxide requires only 20 seconds to disinfect surfacescontaminated with staphylococcus aureus. The latter solution is clearlyunacceptable for commercial use, both from a safety standpoint and aneconomic standpoint.

[0018] It has now been found that addition of phosphorus-based acids andanionic surfactants greatly enhance the activity of aqueous hydrogenperoxide solutions. The phosphorus-based acids are inorganic acids ororganic acids. Especially preferred are phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) andphosphonic acids having 1 to 5 phosphonic acid groups. Particularlypreferred phosphonic acids are amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid),1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonic acid,diethylenetriaminepenta-(methylene phosphonic acid), 2-hydroxyethyliminobis(methylene phosphonic acid), and ethylene diamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid). Each may be used alone, but mixtures of phosphoricacid and at least one of the phosphonic acids are preferred. Some ofthese phosphonic acids are available from Albright & Wilson under thetrade mark BRIQUEST and some from Solutia Inc. under the trade markDEQUEST. The concentration of the phosphorus-based acids is from 0.05 to8.0 wt./wt. % of the solution. The lower concentrations are preferablefor solutions with lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The pH ofthe solutions are from 1 to 7, and even more particularly from about 1to about 3.

[0019] The anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting ofC8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, sulfonated C12 to C22 carboxylic acids and alkali metal andammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22 alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acidsand alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, naphthalene sulfonic acidsand alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonicacids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, alkali metal C8 toC18 alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof, in a concentration range offrom 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of the solution. Preferably, the anionicsurfactant is an alkyl aryl sulfonic acid or a salt thereof, especiallya C8 to C16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof, or mixturesthereof. Preferred anionic surfactants are dodecyl benzene sulfonic acidand tridecyl benzene sulfonic acid and their salts, e.g. sodium,potassium, ammonium salts.

[0020] Of the sulfonated C12 to C22 carboxylic acids, sulfonated9-octadecanoic acid is preferred. Of the C8 to C22 alkyl diphenyl oxidesulfonic acids and salts, dodecyl diphenyl oxide disulfonic acid anddisodium 4-dodecylated diphenyloxide sulfonate, alkylated sulfonateddiphenyl oxide disodium salt are preferred. Of the C8 to C22 alkylsulfonic acids, the sodium salts of 1-octane sulfonic acid, 1-decanesulfonic acid and tridecane sulfonic acid are preferred. Of the alkalimetal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, sodium lauryl sulfate is preferred.

[0021] The hydrogen peroxide solution may be prepared as a concentratedaqueous solution, e.g. up to 20 wt./wt. % hydrogen peroxide, preferablyup to 8 wt./wt. %, which then may be diluted by the end user, or thesolution may be prepared in a dilute form, e.g. from 0.05 to 1.0 wt./wt.%. As will be illustrated by the examples which follow, solutions ofabout 0.5 wt./wt. % are effective in substantially reducing bacterialand viral activity.

[0022] Solutions having about from 0.05 to 1.0 wt./wt %, especiallyabout 0.5 wt./wt. % hydrogen peroxide are suitable for use as householdand commercial disinfectants, bactericides, virucides, sanitizers andcleaners. Solutions having about 3-4 wt./wt. % are suitable for use asmulti-purpose cleaners and bleach alternatives in healthcare facilities,households and commercial facilities. Solutions having about 6-8 wt./wt.% hydrogen peroxide are suitable for use as a sporicides, fungicides,virucides, bactericides, broad spectrum sanitizers, general purposecleaners and bleach alternatives, particularly in institutional,healthcare and food applications.

[0023] Other surfactants may be present as emulsifiers and/orhydrotropes in the solutions. For example, certain emulsifiers and/orhydrotropes are beneficial for cleaning surfaces with organic matter orgrease and for providing stability to the solution. Typically, theemulsifiers and/or hydrotropes are present in a concentration of about10 to 30 parts emulsifier per hundred parts of hydrogen peroxide or upto about 3.0. wt./wt. % of the solution. Preferably, they are present ina concentration of about 0.1 to 0.2 wt./wt. % of the solution.

[0024] Preferred emulsifiers are non-ionic alkylated alkoxylatesurfactants. More preferred are alkylated polyoxyethylene surfactants,including aryl polyoxyethylene surfactants such as C8 to C16 alkylphenolethoxylates (e.g. octyl phenol ethoxylate).

[0025] A short-chain alcohol, e.g. a C1-C6 alcohol, especially methanol,ethanol or iso-propanol, may be added to provide additional cleaningability for organic contaminants. Preferred concentrations of the shortchain alcohol are from about 0.1 to about 10 wt./wt. % of the solution.Addition of the alcohol is believed to provide better germicidalactivity.

[0026] Because hydrogen peroxide has a broad spectrum of activity, it isuseful in many different applications. In the healthcare field, thesolution may be used in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, dentaloffices, home care and chronic care facilities. It may also be used infood and beverage processing and preparation, animal husbandry, thehospitality industry and for general sanitation, e.g. janitorialservices.

[0027] The solutions of the present invention have a long shelf life,e.g. up to a year or more.

[0028] A preferred method for preparing the solutions of the presentinvention comprises adding the phosphorus-based acid(s) and the anionicsurfactant(s) and optionally the emulsifiers and/or hydrotropes todistilled or otherwise purified water prior to the addition of hydrogenperoxide. If there are any other ingredients, e.g. alcohols, scents,colouring agents, dyes, corrosion inhibitors these are preferably addedbefore the hydrogen peroxide.

[0029] The invention may also be better understood by reference to thefollowing examples:

EXAMPLE I

[0030] A solution of the present invention (Solution A) was preparedwith 695 parts by weight distilled water, 20 parts by weight 75%phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), 75 parts by weight 50% Briquest 301-50A (trademark) amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), 25 parts by weight 45%hydrotrope Dowfax (trade mark) C6 alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxidedisodium salt, 25 parts by weight 98% Biosoft S-100 (trade mark) dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, 10 parts by weight Triton X-405 70% (trade mark)octyl phenol ethoxylate emulsifier and 150 parts by weight 50% hydrogenperoxide. The ingredients were mixed in a passivated vessel, withhydrogen peroxide being the last ingredient added to the solution. ThepH of the solution was 1.27.

[0031] Aliquots of this solution were tested for mycobacterial,sporicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal and virucidal activity and comparedagainst commercially available disinfectants. For testing forbactericidal and virucidal activity, aliquots were diluted with water,with 1 part solution to 15 parts water.

[0032] Quantitative carrier tests were conducted on the samples. Thetest methods incorporated the essential requirements of the CanadianGeneral Standards Boards' standard entitled “Assessment of Efficacy ofAntimicrobial Agents for Use on Environmental Surfaces and MedicalDevices” (CGSB 1997), and also conform to the ASTM requirements forevaluating virucidal activity of liquid germicides to be used onnon-porous surfaces.

[0033] The inside bottom surface of glass vials was used as the carriersurface for mycobacterial, sporicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal tests.Stainless steel disks were used as the carrier surface for virucidaltests. Silk suture loops were not used because of the extreme difficultyin using them for standardized tests.

[0034] All test organisms were first suspended in bovine serum at afinal concentration of 5 wt./wt. % of the solution. When the product wasto be tested after dilution, water with a standard hardness of 200 ppmas calcium carbonate was used as the diluent. The water was preparedaccording to the formula in AOAC International (1990).

[0035] Phosphate buffer, at pH 7.2, was used to make dilutions of sporesand vegetative bacterial cells and to rinse membrane filters in testsfor sporicidal and bactericidal tests. The diluent and filter rinse usedfor mycobacterial and fungicidal tests was sterile normal saline (0.85%sodium chloride). Earle's balance salt solution was used to preparedilutions of the virus prior to infectivity assays.

[0036] The general steps for quantitative analysis of mycobacterial,sporicidal, fungicidal and bactericidal activities of the testdisinfectant involved i) inoculating carriers with inserts centred invials, ii) dyeing the inoculated carriers, iii) removing the inserts,iv) adding a test disinfectant to the inoculated carrier, v) dilutingthe test disinfectant at the completion of a known exposure time at aknown temperature, vi) filtering and vii) placing the filters onto amedium, followed by incubating. The colony forming units (CFU) were thendetermined.

[0037] Control carriers were used in the same manner as test carriers,except that phosphate buffer was applied to the dried inoculum insteadof disinfectant in the case of sporicidal and bacterial tests, andsterile saline was applied in the case of mycobactericidal andfungicidal tests. In the tests, there were three control carriers toevery seven test carriers.

[0038] For virucidal activity, each stainless steel disk received testvirus in bovine serum. After the inoculum had dried, it was exposedeither to Earle's buffer solution or the test disinfectant for therequired contact time and temperature. Each disk was placed in a vialwith eluent/diluent and vortexed to recover the inoculum. The controland test eluates were inoculated into cell cultures for virus plaqueassays. The plaque forming units (PFU) were then determined. To avoidfalse positive results, further controls were carried out by exposingthe cell monolayers to a non-virucidal and non-cytotoxic dilution of thetest products and then using the same monolayers for plaque assays. Ifthe number of plaques on such pre-exposed monolayers was the same asthose exposed to Earle's solution, the product was regarded as free frominterference. In the tests, there were three control carriers to everyfive test carriers.

[0039] The test results are shown in Tables I and II TABLE I OrganismContact time CFU** Control Solution A ATCC 19659* 6 hours 1.96 × 10⁸ 0ATCC 7955* 6 hours 3.12 × 10⁷ 0 ATCC 15442* 10 minutes 1.79 × 10⁶ 0 ATCC15442* 3 minutes 1.25 × 10⁶ 0 ATCC 15442* 1 minute 1.45 × 10⁶ 0 ATCC6538* 1 minute 1.40 × 10⁶ 0 ATCC 10708* 1 minute 1.16 × 10⁶ 0 ATCC15755* 20 minutes 1.8610⁶ 0 ATCC 9533* 5 minutes  4.0 × 10⁵ 0

[0040] TABLE II Organism Contact time PFU** Control Solution A ATCCVR-192* 5 minutes 8.7 × 10⁴  1 ATCC VR-192* 5 minutes 8.7 × 10⁴ 10

EXAMPLE II

[0041] Solution A of Example I was tested further, according to themethod of Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants,Final Action AOAC XV, 1995, Part 6.3.03.

[0042] Samples of the organism being tested were mixed with 5% bovineserum. 56 mL portions of Solution A were diluted with 4 liters of 200ppm synthetic hard water. Each dilute solution was applied to anorganism at 20° C. and the organism count per milliliter was determinedbefore application of the solution, and 30 seconds and 60 seconds afterapplication of the solution. The results are shown in Table III. TABLEIII Count Count Organism Initial Count 30 sec 60 sec ATCC 15442 94.5 ×10⁶ <10 <10 ATCC 6538 44.5 × 10⁶   218    75 ATCC 33592* 32.3 × 10⁶ <10<10 ATCC 51575* 94.5 × 10⁶ <10 <10

EXAMPLE III

[0043] Solution A of Example I was tested further, according to themethod of Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants,Final Action AOAC XV, 1995, Part 6.3.03.

[0044] Samples of the organism being tested were mixed with 5% bovineserum. The undiluted Solution A was applied to the organisms at 20° C.and the organism count per milliliter was determined before applicationof the solution, and 30 seconds and 60 seconds after application of thesolution. The results are shown in Table IV. TABLE IV Count CountOrganism Initial Count 30 sec 60 sec ATCC 10708  117 × 10⁶ <10 <10 ATCC15442 94.5 × 10⁶ <10 <10 ATCC 6538 44.5 × 10⁶ <10 <10 ATCC 33592 79.5 ×10⁶ <10 <10 ATCC 51575 32.3 × 10⁶ <10 <10

EXAMPLE IV

[0045] The test according to Example II was modified, using 50% bovineserum which was added to the organism. 56 mL portions of Solution A werediluted with 4 liters of 200 ppm synthetic hard water. Each dilutesolution was applied to an organism at 20° C. and the organism count permilliliter was determined before and application of the solution, and 30seconds and 60 seconds after application of the solution. The resultsare shown in Table V. TABLE V Count Count Organism Initial Count 30 sec60 sec ATCC 15442  235 × 10⁶ <10 <10 ATCC 6358  115 × 10⁶ <10 <10 ATCC10708 81.3 × 10⁶ <10 <10

EXAMPLE V

[0046] Tests were carried out to determine the cleaning efficiency ofdiluted solutions of Solution A compared to commercially availablecleaners. Test Procedure CAN/CGSB 2.1, Method 20.3 was used, in whichsynthetic soil, of brown iron oxide pigment, kerosene, Stoddard solvent,white petroleum jelly, lubricating oil and shortening, was applied towhite vinyl tiles. As a control, a 1% CGSB standard detergent in 125 ppmhard water, was used.

[0047] One portion of Solution A was diluted in 125 ppm hard water toform Solution B, which contained about 0.06% hydrogen peroxide. Anotherportion of Solution A was diluted in 125 ppm hard water to form SolutionC, which contained about 0.01% hydrogen peroxide. A sample of commercialsodium hypochlorite bleach was diluted 1:20 to form Solution D.

[0048] The contaminated tiles were cleaned with 50 mL of each solutionbeing tested and cleaning efficiency values were based on reflectancemeasurements. The results are shown in Table VI. TABLE VI SolutionEfficiency (%) Solution B (0.06% H₂O₂) 94.6 Solution C (0.01% H₂O₂) 93.7Solution D (Na hypochlorite) 11.3 Standard Detergent 77.2 Distilledwater 11.4

1. An aqueous disinfecting or sanitizing solution having a pH of from 1to 7 and consisting essentially of: i) hydrogen peroxide in aconcentration of from 0.01 to 20 wt./wt. % of the solution; ii) at leastone phosphorus-based acid in a concentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0wt./wt. % of the solution; iii) at least one anionic surfactant selectedfrom the group consisting of C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids andalkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, sulfonated C12 to C22carboxylic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, naphthalene sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammoniumsalts thereof, alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixturesthereof, in a concentration range of from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of thesolution; and iv) the remainder to 100 wt./wt. % water.
 2. A solutionaccording to claim 1 wherein the pH is from 1 to
 3. 3. A solutionaccording to claim 2 wherein the solution has a hydrogen peroxideconcentration of from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of the solution.
 4. Asolution according to claim 3 wherein the solution has a hydrogenperoxide concentration of from 0.05 to 1.0 wt./wt. % of the solution. 5.A solution according to claim 2 wherein the phosphorus-based acid isselected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, phosphonic acidshaving 1 to 5 phosphonic acid groups, and mixtures thereof.
 6. Asolution according to claim 5 wherein the phosphorus-based acid isselected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonicacid, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene phosphonic acid),2-hydroxyethylimino bis(methylene phosphonic acid), ethylene diaminetetra(methylene phosphonic acid), and mixtures thereof.
 7. A solutionaccording to claim 6 wherein the phosphorus-based acid is selected fromthe group consisting of phosphoric acid,1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonic acid, and mixtures thereof.
 8. Asolution according to claim 2 containing dodecyl benzene sulfonic acidor an alkali metal salt or ammonium salt thereof.
 9. An aqueousdisinfecting or sanitizing solution having a pH of from 1 to 7 andconsisting essentially of: i) hydrogen peroxide in a concentration offrom 0.01 to 20 wt./wt. % of the solution; ii) at least onephosphorus-based acid in a concentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0wt./wt. % of the solution iii) at least one anionic surfactant selectedfrom the group consisting of C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids andalkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, sulfonated C12 to C22carboxylic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, naphthalene sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammoniumsalts thereof, alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixturesthereof, in a concentration range of from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of thesolution; iv) up to about 3 wt./wt. % of an additional componentselected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, hydrotropes, andmixtures thereof; and v) the remainder to 100 wt./wt. % water.
 10. Asolution according to claim 9 wherein the pH is from 1 to
 3. 11. Asolution according to claim 10 wherein the solution has a hydrogenperoxide concentration of from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of the solution.12. A solution according to claim 11 wherein the solution has a hydrogenperoxide concentration of from 0.05 to 1.0 wt./wt. % of the solution.13. A solution according to claim 10 wherein the phosphorus-based acidis selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, phosphonicacids having 1 to 5 phosphonic acid groups, and mixtures thereof.
 14. Asolution according to claim 13 wherein the phosphorus-based acid isselected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonicacid, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene phosphonic acid),2-hydroxyethylimino bis(methylene phosphonic acid), ethylene diaminetetra(methylene phosphonic acid), and mixtures thereof.
 15. A solutionaccording to claim 14 wherein the phosphorus-based acid is selected fromthe group consisting of phosphoric acid,1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonic acid, and mixtures thereof.
 16. Asolution according to claim 10 containing dodecyl benzene sulfonic acidor an alkali metal salt or ammonium salt thereof.
 17. A solutionaccording to claim 10 wherein the emulsifier is a polyoxyethylenesurfactant.
 18. A solution according to claim 10 wherein the hydrotropeis selected from an alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide and an alkylatedsulfonated diphenyl oxide salt.
 19. A solution according to claim 18containing a C6 alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide disodium salt. 20.An aqueous disinfecting or sanitizing solution having a pH of from 1 to7 and consisting essentially of: i) hydrogen peroxide in a concentrationof from 0.01 to 20 wt./wt. % of the solution; ii) at least onephosphorus-based acid in a concentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0wt./wt. % of the solution; iii) at least one anionic surfactant selectedfrom the group consisting of C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids andalkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, sulfonated C12 to C22carboxylic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, naphthalene sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammoniumsalts thereof, alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixturesthereof, in a concentration range of from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of thesolution; iv) a corrosion inhibitor in a concentration of from 0.05 to10.0 wt./wt % of the solution; and v) the remainder to 100 wt./wt. %water.
 21. A solution according to claim 20 wherein the pH is from 1 to3.
 22. An aqueous disinfecting or sanitizing solution having a pH offrom 1 to 7 and consisting essentially of: i) hydrogen peroxide in aconcentration of from 0.01 to 20 wt./wt. % of the solution; ii) at leastone phosphorus-based acid in a concentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0wt./wt. % of the solution; iii) at least one anionic surfactant selectedfrom the group consisting of C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids andalkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, sulfonated C12 to C22carboxylic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, naphthalene sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammoniumsalts thereof, alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixturesthereof, in a concentration range of from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of thesolution; iv) from 0.1 to 10 wt./wt. % of an alcohol comprising one tosix carbon atoms; and v) the remainder to 100 wt./wt. % water.
 23. Asolution according to claim 22 wherein the pH is from 1 to
 3. 24. Anaqueous disinfecting or sanitizing solution having a pH of from 1 to 7and consisting essentially of: i) hydrogen peroxide in a concentrationof from 0.01 to 20 wt./wt. % of the solution; ii) at least onephosphorus-based acid in a concentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0wt./wt. % of the solution; iii) at least one anionic surfactant selectedfrom the group consisting of C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids andalkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, sulfonated C12 to C22carboxylic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, naphthalene sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammoniumsalts thereof, alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixturesthereof, in a concentration range of from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of thesolution; iv) a monocarboxylic acid or polycarboxylic acid in aconcentration of from about 0.05 to about 4.0 wt./wt. %; and v) theremainder to 100 wt./wt. % water.
 25. A solution according to claim 24wherein the pH is from 1 to
 3. 26. An aqueous disinfecting or sanitizingsolution having a pH of from 1 to 7 and consisting essentially of: i)hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of from 0.01 to about 20 wt./wt. %of the solution; ii) at least one phosphorus-based acid in aconcentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of the solution; andiii) at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consistingof C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammoniumsalts thereof, sulfonated C12 to C22 carboxylic acids and alkali metaland ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22 alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonicacids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, naphthalene sulfonicacids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22 alkylsulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, alkali metalC8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof, in a concentration rangeof from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of the solution; iv) up to about 3 wt./wt. %of an additional component selected from the group consisting ofemulsifiers, hydrotropes, and mixtures thereof; v) a corrosion inhibitorin a concentration of from 0.05 to 10.0 wt./wt % of the solution; andvi) the remainder to 100 wt./wt. % water.
 27. A solution according toclaim 26 wherein the pH is from 1 to
 3. 28. An aqueous disinfecting orsanitizing solution having a pH of from 1 to 7 and consistingessentially of: i) hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of from 0.01 toabout 20 wt./wt. % of the solution; ii) at least one phosphorus-basedacid in a concentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of thesolution; and iii) at least one anionic surfactant selected from thegroup consisting of C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids and alkali metaland ammonium salts thereof, sulfonated C12 to C22 carboxylic acids andalkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22 alkyl diphenyl oxidesulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, naphthalenesulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22alkyl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, alkalimetal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof, in a concentrationrange of from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of the solution; iv) up to about 3wt./wt. % of an additional component selected from the group consistingof emulsifiers, hydrotropes, and mixtures thereof; v) a monocarboxylicacid or polycarboxylic acid in a concentration of from about 0.05 toabout 4.0 wt./wt. %; vi) the remainder to 100 wt./wt. % water.
 29. Asolution according to claim 28 wherein said pH is from 1 to
 3. 30. Anaqueous disinfecting or sanitizing solution having a pH of from 1 to 7and consisting essentially of: i) hydrogen peroxide in a concentrationof from 0.01 to about 20 wt./wt. % of the solution; ii) at least onephosphorus-based acid in a concentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0wt./wt. % of the solution; and iii) at least one anionic surfactantselected from the group consisting of C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonicacids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, sulfonated C12 to C22carboxylic acids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, naphthalene sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammoniumsalts thereof, alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixturesthereof, in a concentration range of from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of thesolution; iv) up to about 3 wt./wt. % of an additional componentselected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, hydrotropes, andmixtures thereof; v) a corrosion inhibitor in a concentration of from0.05 to 10.0 wt./wt % of the solution; vi) a monocarboxylic acid orpolycarboxylic acid in a concentration of from about 0.05 to about 4.0wt./wt. %; and vii) the remainder to 100 wt./wt. % water.
 31. A solutionaccording to claim 30 wherein the pH is from 1 to
 3. 32. An aqueousdisinfecting or sanitizing solution having a pH of from 1 to 7 andcomprising: i) hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of from 0.01 to 20wt./wt. % of the solution; ii) at least one phosphorus-based acid in aconcentration range of from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of the solution; iii)at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of C8to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids and alkali metal and ammonium saltsthereof, sulfonated C12 to C22 carboxylic acids and alkali metal andammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22 alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acidsand alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, naphthalene sulfonic acidsand alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonicacids and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof, in a concentration range offrom 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of the solution; and iv) a hydrotrope selectedfrom an alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide and an alkylated sulfonateddiphenyl oxide salt.
 33. A solution according to claim 32 wherein the pHis from 1 to
 3. 34. A solution according to claim 33 wherein saidhydrotrope is a C6 alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide disodium salt.35. A solution according to claim 33 wherein the phosphorus-based acidis selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, phosphonicacids having 1 to 5 phosphonic acid groups, and mixtures thereof.
 36. Asolution according to claim 35 wherein the phosphorus-based acid isselected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonicacid, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene phosphonic acid),2-hydroxyethylimino bis(methylene phosphonic acid), ethylene diaminetetra(methylene phosphonic acid), and mixtures thereof.
 37. A solutionaccording to claim 36 wherein the phosphorus-based acid is selected fromthe group consisting of phosphoric acid,1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonic acid, and mixtures thereof.
 38. Asolution according to claim 33 containing dodecyl benzene sulfonic acidor an alkali metal salt or ammonium salt thereof.
 39. A solutionaccording to claim 33 further comprising an emulsifier.
 40. A solutionaccording to claim 39 wherein the emulsifier is a polyoxyethylenesurfactant.
 41. A solution according to claim 33 wherein the solutionhas a hydrogen peroxide concentration of from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % ofthe solution.
 42. A solution according to claim 41 wherein the solutionhas a hydrogen peroxide concentration of from 0.05 to 1.0 wt./wt. % ofthe solution.
 43. A solution according to claim 33 containing acorrosion inhibitor in a concentration of from 0.05 to 10.0 wt./wt % ofthe solution.
 44. A solution according to claim 33 containing from 0.1to 10 wt./wt. % of an alcohol comprising one to six carbon atoms.
 45. Asolution according to claim 33 containing a monocarboxylic acid orpolycarboxylic acid in a concentration of from about 0.05 to about 4.0wt./wt. %.